How did you first find out about bariatric surgery and what were your initial impressions of it?

I had heard about it on a television show. At first I thought it was crazy and dangerous. I could not believe that people would go to that extreme to loss weight. When I started researching it I never believed that I would ever actually do it.

Describe your experience with getting insurance approval for surgery. What advice, if any, do you have for other people in this stage?

There really was no issue with my insurance at all. I had to get a letter from my primary and it took 2 weeks to get approval.

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

It was not at all what I thought. I guess the biggest thing was the possible complications and he just told me everything that first visit. I was scared but he also told me all the complications of being so overweight. I just asked lots of questions even stupid little ones that I did not think would matter. He was more then willing to answer everything.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I finally decided that I deserved this for myself. I wanted to be able to play with my kids without getting out of breath. I had raised my children alone for ten years and it was now my turn to be happy.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

My doctor only did the open RYN but I think I would go with that again. I feel I have made the right choice.

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

I was afraid of dying and leaving my children alone. I remember waking up after surgery like oh thank god I am alive. I would tell people to think about the risks of being overweight they are pretty much the same they just take longer.

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

I keep alot of stuff to myself and the people I did tell were not overly supportive. My mother was not supportive at all which really hurt, she was convinced I did not need the surgery. Afterwards she was very supportive and she sees now how happy I am and the self confindence that I have gained. She still worrys that I am too thin but that is a mother thing.

How did your employer/supervisor react to your decision? What did you tell him/her? How long were you out of work?

I work in a Mental Health Office so they were very supportive and made sure I got any advise that I needed. My boss felt I did not need it but understood that it was something I had to do for me. I took about 3 1/2 weeks off but they would have given me more if I needed it.

What was your stay in the hospital like? How long where you there? What things are most important to bring?

My hospital stay was pretty uneventful. I was in ICU for 24 hours and then 2 days in the regular floor. I brought books and stuff thinking I could read but you are not very comfortable so reading was out of the question. I would tell people to bring chap stick, and lotion and a good pair of walking slippers.

Did you have any complications from the surgery? If so, how did you deal with them?

I was one of the lucky people and had no complication.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

I was very nervous and could not believe I was actually going through with it. I talked alot to friends and others who had the surgery who reassured me I was making the right decision for me.

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

I was not very realistic about the way I would feel. I thought I would bounce right back and enjoy my time off. Wrong, it took more out of me then I thought. If you have surgery like the open RYN be prepared to get lots of rest and make sure someone is there to help you with day to day things.

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

I was local for both surgery and aftercare which is a huge plus

Please describe in detail what things you could and couldn't eat in the weeks and months following surgery. What foods have been off limits? Please explain how your dietary tolerance changed week-by-week, and then month-by-month since surgery.

I was strictly clear liquids for the first two weeks. After that the next two weeks were full liquids which included Sugar free jello, sugar free pudding, creamy soup. After that I slowly added things like burnt toast (you will understand) and very small portions of regular foods (eggs, chicken and other protiens). Now the only restriction I really have is I do not eat any sugar, I am not sure if it makes me sick or not but I do not eat anything if it is over 5 grams per serving and I watch the sugar alcohols on the so called sugar free stuff because it does havic with your system.

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

I was not not very active for the first three weeks only short walks. Now I can do any activity I want. I should really do more and keep pushing to that goal.

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

I take 2 multi vitamins everyday and try to get all my protien in which is a challenge

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

I did have some hair loss starting about 4 months out which last for about 3 months. I was only sick about 12 times since surgery but I quickly avoided the offensive items. The hair loss was quite upsetting and I was so glad when it stopped and that is what you have to remember it is only temp

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

The only thing I can think of is the recovery took more out of me then I thought it would and that was hard for me to accept

What aftercare support group/program do you have? How helpful/important is this?

I do not attend any formal meetings, however there is someone in my office who went had surgery 1 month prior to mine and we get together daily to talk about different concerns or accomplishments.

What is your scar like? Is this what you expected?

At first the scar freaked me out because it runs from my belly button to just under my bra. Now after 14 months it has faded quite a bit and it is not too bad.

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

Right about 6 months out I stopped losing weight and got a little down but I just keep doing what I was instructed and it started up again.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Not really, I have had a few people comment on how much happier I am and the self esteem has gotten much better.